What is a potential consequence of antimetabolite treatment related to skin?

Antimetabolite treatments, which are commonly used in chemotherapy, can lead to various skin-related side effects. One of the notable effects is photosensitivity. This condition causes the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in an increased risk of sunburn, rashes, or other skin reactions upon exposure to UV rays.

This heightened sensitivity occurs because antimetabolites can alter the skin's cellular structure and function, making it more susceptible to damage from UV radiation. It is crucial for patients undergoing this treatment to take protective measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.

While dryness, color changes, and increased oiliness are potential side effects of various treatments, they are not as directly associated with antimetabolites as photosensitivity is. Adapting skin care routines to manage these effects is important, but awareness of photosensitivity specifically is critical for patient safety during antimetabolite therapy.